Gadgets
Can you connect AirPods to PS5? Guidelines and everything you need explained
If you want to use your AirPods to play games on your PlayStation 5, here’s how to pair them for your next gaming session.
Taking advantage of all the accessories available is something users are always looking for. The AirPods are an excellent Apple device to listen to music or make phone calls, but what happens when you want to use them with a console, for example, or in a more specific case, a PlayStation 5? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know.
Can I connect my AirPods to a PlayStation 5?
The short and official answer is no. The PlayStation 5 does not natively support Bluetooth audio. The official options and even the console’s headset require a USB Bluetooth adapter to connect.
It’s worth mentioning why this isn’t possible, considering that the DualShock itself connects via Bluetooth. The PS5 connects to Bluetooth devices at a “system level”, meaning that some peripherals are accepted, but when it comes to audio, and considering the 2.5 GHz band it runs on, it is prone to interference, disconnections, and audio issues that affect gameplay.
That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, though, because like anything else, there are a few ways to make this connection. Connecting your AirPods for use with the PlayStation 5 is a tedious and incomplete process that makes you wonder if it’s worth the effort.
Please note that while the AirPods have a microphone, you cannot use them to talk to your colleagues through the console. You can always use the microphone built into the DualSense.
Mode 1 - Through a Bluetooth Adapter
One of the easiest ways is to use a Bluetooth adapter. If the official devices work this way, you just need to find one that lets you pair your AirPods with the console. You will have to spend a few extra dollars here.
With this option, it is important to find a Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with both the AirPods and the PS5. Options include the Uberwith PS5 Bluetooth Adapter, the GTRACING Bluetooth USB Adapter, or the Skull & Co. AudioStick Bluetooth 5.0. There are plenty of products out there, it’s just a matter of finding them.
The steps are simple:
- With the AirPods charged, connect the adapter to the console.
- Put the adapter in pairing mode and make sure the AirPods are in the charging cradle.
- Press and hold the button on the AirPods until the adapter indicates that they are paired. It’s a good idea to check the instructions.
- Do some audio tests, if you don’t hear it, you may need to check the console. Go to Home - Settings - Sound - Audio Output - Output Device and select your Bluetooth device.
Mode 2 - Without a Bluetooth Adapter
If you really want to connect your AirPods to play games on the PlayStation 5, but don’t want to buy an adapter, there’s another option. However, it all depends on something you probably already have in your home: a smart TV.
Although the configuration depends on the TV, many Smart TVs support Bluetooth accessories, so you could connect your AirPods to that device instead of the PlayStation 5. Considering that what you’re ultimately looking for is the audio of what you’re playing, and that the connection doesn’t allow for voice chat, it’s the same thing.